PALO ALTO, Calif. – February 16, 2016 — Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that Dr. Matteo Genna has assumed the role of Chief Technology Officer. Dr. Genna’s strong systems engineering and product development background, along with his visionary perspective, have advanced SSL’s capabilities, both in its core communications satellite market and in its growth market, with innovations in robotics, small satellites and advanced systems for space infrastructure and exploration.
“Dr. Genna brings a critical combination of technical expertise, business leadership, and vision into the future of space technology,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “As CTO he is driving our focus on flexibility and standardization for GEO satellites, in addition to developing new platforms for our next generation space missions.”
Dr. Genna joined SSL nearly 20 years ago as a systems engineer in the Research and Development group where he contributed to advancing the design of SSL’s highly successful 1300 satellite platform, which celebrated its 100th launch last year. He has contributed to a broad range of innovations, ranging from avionics to electric orbit raising, keeping the 1300 at the forefront of today’s technology.
As a manager in the Advanced Systems Group, Dr. Genna led teams responsible for designing SSL’s satellites and developing novel solutions for integrating hosted payloads. In 2014, Dr. Genna was named Vice President of Mission Assurance and Chief Engineer. In this role, he was accountable for the design, performance, reliability, and quality of every SSL-built satellite.
In his new role, Dr. Genna is responsible for advances that are enabling SSL to collaborate with NASA and DARPA. This is reflected in programs such as Dragonfly, for robotic satellite assembly on orbit, and Psyche, for a spacecraft to explore an asteroid.
Dr. Genna holds a bachelor of science degree in physics from the University of California, San Diego, and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley.
About SSL
Space Systems Loral (SSL) is a leading provider of commercial satellites with broad expertise to support satellite operators and innovative space related missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband Internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for more than 50 years, SSL’s advanced product line also includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and automation solutions for remote operations. For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of Space Systems Loral (SSL) with respect to future events and financial performance. When used in this news release, the words “believes”, “expects”, “plans”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “project”, “intend” or “outlook” or other variations of these words or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Known risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; risks associated with satellite manufacturing, including competition, cyclicality of SSL’s end-user markets, contractual risks, creditworthiness of customers, performance of suppliers and management of SSL’s factory and personnel; risk associated with financial factors such as volatility in exchange rates, increases in interest rates, restrictions on access to capital, and swings in global financial markets; risks associated with domestic and foreign government regulation, including export controls and economic sanctions; and other risks, including litigation. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. The information contained in this news release reflects SSL’s beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, SSL disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.
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